Why was OtherOS removed?

The OtherOS feature was removed from the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in April 2010 due to security concerns, with Sony citing the need to protect its system from piracy and hacking. This decision was met with criticism from a vocal group of users who utilized the OtherOS feature to install Linux or FreeBSD on their consoles, leading to a lawsuit and a settlement of $3.75 million.

Background and History

The removal of OtherOS was a significant change to the PS3‘s functionality, and it had a notable impact on the console’s user base. To understand the reasons behind this decision, it’s essential to examine the PS3‘s history and the role of OtherOS in its architecture.

FAQs

General Information

1. What was OtherOS?: OtherOS was a feature of the PlayStation 3 that allowed users to install alternative operating systems, such as Linux or FreeBSD, on their consoles.
2. When was OtherOS removed?: The OtherOS feature was removed from the PS3 in April 2010, with the release of system firmware update 3.21.
3. Why did Sony remove OtherOS?: Sony removed OtherOS due to security concerns, citing the need to protect its system from piracy and hacking.

Technical Details

4. What CPU did the PS3 use?: The PS3 used the Cell microprocessor, which consisted of one 3.2 GHz PowerPC-based “Power Processing Element” (PPE) and six accessible Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs).
5. Is FreeBSD better than Linux?: FreeBSD and Linux have different performance characteristics, with FreeBSD offering reduced network protocol latency compared to Linux.

Gaming and Compatibility

6. Can my PS3 play PS2 games?: The PS3 60GB model is backward compatible with most PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games, but later models may not support PS2 games due to the removal of the Emotion Engine chip.
7. Why did PS3 remove Linux?: Linux (OtherOS) was removed from the PS3 in an attempt to prevent piracy and hacking, as the feature was seen as a potential vulnerability in the system.
8. Will Sony ever make PS5 backwards compatible?: The PlayStation 5 is backward compatible with the overwhelming majority of PlayStation 4 games, but it does not support PS3 or PS2 games natively.

Lawsuits and Controversy

9. What was Sony sued for?: Sony was sued for removing the OtherOS feature from the PS3, with the plaintiffs alleging false advertising and breach of warranty.
10. How much did Sony pay to settle the lawsuit?: Sony agreed to pay $3.75 million to settle the lawsuit related to the removal of OtherOS from the PS3.

Console Performance and Utilization

11. Was the PS3 a bad console?: The PS3 had its share of problems, including long loading times and install times, but it still offered a great gaming experience and a wide range of games.
12. Can a PS3 still be used?: Yes, the PS3 can still be used, and it remains a popular console for playing classic games and utilizing its built-in Blu-ray player.

Hacking and Jailbreaking

13. Was the PS3 hacked?: Yes, the PS3 was hacked, with George Hotz successfully jailbreaking the console’s firmware in 2011.
14. Can a jailbroken PS3 play PS2 discs?: Yes, a jailbroken PS3 can play PS2 discs, but this requires modifying the console’s firmware and may void its warranty.

Account and Console Suspension

15. How do I know if my account or console has been suspended from PSN?: If your account or console has been suspended from the PlayStation Network (PSN), you will see an error code when attempting to sign in, and you may receive a notification from Sony explaining the reason for the suspension.